asked the Minister for Education if in view of the continuing serious repercussions that have occurred since the withdrawal of a remedial teacher from a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5, he will immediately restore the appointment for the benefit of the large number of pupils requiring very special attention attending this school.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Remedial Teacher.
1.
Since the Deputy last asked this question in October 1985 and May this year, the application from the school in question for a remedial teacher has again been considered. There is a large number of schools applying for a limited number of remedial teaching posts and the allocation of this limited resource has to be carefully considered so that posts are created where the need is greatest. I hope to make a decision shortly, following which the Chairman of the Board of Management will be informed.
The application for a remedial teacher in this school was made four years ago. This is an area in which there are a lot of problems, and there is a great need for a remedial teacher. Many of the classes have as many as 39 infants and a large proportion of them have great difficulties and often leave being unable to read or write. There is a very obvious need for a remedial teacher in that area. The last time I asked this question the Minister gave me an assurance that he would look favourably on the application. I am disappointed that there has not been some success since then.
The Deputy is aware that the assignment of remedial duties is done by the school authorities. In this case and in others, the board of management chairman will be informed before the end of December as to the allocation of remedial teachers. The Deputy's claims in this regard are being taken into account.
Is the junior Minister aware of the significance of Donnycarney and that it would rank almost equally in importance with Castlebar?
A remedial teacher has not been appointed to Castlebar under this year's scheme either.